Geoff & Barb Nickless

Flat Out Friday In Portland

Posted by Geoff & Barb Nickless | Apr 29, 2024 | Ride Life |

In Milwaukee, Wisconsin they have a winter tradition that gathers together everyone on a February weekend for all things motorcycle, called the Mama Tried Show. On Friday night, during the show, fans pack the Fiserv Forum for an annual race night called Flat Out Friday. Nathan Baron attended and covered these events for Road Dirt the past couple of years. We compared notes over the phone about the mischief and shenanigans Geoff and I experienced at Flat Out Friday when they made their inaugural debut on the West Coast, at the Portland Expo Center, as part of the 15th annual One Motorcycle Show.

Santa Rosa Indoor Short Track

Posted by Geoff & Barb Nickless | Feb 28, 2024 | Industry & Racing, Ride Life |

Last weekend, as yet another atmospheric river of rain pounded the west coast of Northern California, there was a gathering of off-season racers in the Sonoma Wine Country. Over 65 Amateur, Pro, and retired Pro riders from hometowns as far away as Southern California and Washington State made their way to Grace Pavilion in Santa Rosa, California at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds. Former AMA rider Brok McAllister of McAllister Motorsports organized this two-day event, now in its second year.

Hot Shoe Hall of Fame 4.0

Posted by Geoff & Barb Nickless | Feb 1, 2024 | Industry & Racing, Ride Life |

Recently at the Notoriety Theater in Las Vegas, Nevada, the motorcycle industry celebrated the latest Hot Shoe Hall of Fame inductees, increasing the total number to 155. Gene Woods, a three time U.S. Open Speedway champion during the 1980s is the founder of the Hot Shoe Hall of Fame as well as the charity which provides new shoes, “Heart Shoes”, to needy men, women, and children in the area. Gene’s vision to honor and remember two-wheel racers and industry icons, combined with his own generosity, makes this a “must attend” event for anyone who rides or loves motorcycling. Each year it continues to grow in attendance and is a wonderful opportunity to see and reminisce with riders, racers and industry icons. This was our third year in attendance. We saw old friends and met new ones. Geoff shared vintage photos he took during the 1970s with inductees, and Saturday was a special time to check in and enjoy our motorcycle family.

Through The Lens: Laguna Seca Look-Back

Posted by Geoff & Barb Nickless | Jan 22, 2024 | Industry & Racing |

Laguna Seca is one of the most famous racetracks in the world. Built in 1957, the fabled track is just over 2 miles in length, with 180 ft of elevation change. Best known for the notorious “Corkscrew” tight turn near the top back of the track, it boasts a blind left crest at Turn 8 immediately followed by a hard right plunge down to Turn 8A in only 450 feet, with a drop of 5.5 stories in elevation. The whole track is insanely challenging, for automobiles and motorcycles alike.

MotoAmerica Brings The Heat To COTA

Posted by Geoff & Barb Nickless | Sep 14, 2023 | Industry & Racing |

It was a hot one both on and off the track at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas. With temperatures at 104 degrees on Thursday, 106 on Friday, 102 on Saturday, and 99 on Sunday, teams, riders, staff, and fans tried to keep cool while enjoying the action. Conditions were tough on the riders with a lot of sticky rubber laid down on the track.

Through The Lens: Castle Rock TT

Posted by Geoff & Barb Nickless | Aug 18, 2023 | Industry & Racing, Ride Life |

Fans were not disappointed by this year’s American Flat Track Castle Rock TT in Washington State last weekend. The Mount St. Helens Motorcycle Club had been working tirelessly to put on a knockout event and welcome back AFT Flat Track fans to their home turf for exciting racing.

Through the Lens: A Weekend at The Ridge

Posted by Geoff & Barb Nickless | Jul 19, 2023 | Industry & Racing, Ride Life |

A weekend at one of the most scenic racetracks in America It was well into summer here on the West...

Three Days of the Sac Mile

Posted by Geoff & Barb Nickless | May 19, 2023 | Industry & Racing |

In Sacramento, California on May 13th, the Progressive American Flat Track series rolled into the Cal Expo Fairgrounds for the legendary “Sac Mile”. The first Sacramento Mile, held back in 1959, was won by four-time Grand National Champion Carroll Resweber. The AFT season now shifts from Short Tracks and will feature three consecutive Mile tracks. The speeds on a mile oval can be near 140 mph on the straights. Drafting with your teammate is key when qualifying.

Through The Lens: The 2023 One Moto Show

Posted by Geoff & Barb Nickless | May 10, 2023 | Legendary Bikes, Ride Life |

Our recent trip to Portland, Oregon for the 14th annual “The One Motorcycle Show” was a treat for us as photographers and motorcycle enthusiasts. This event has been hosted since 2010 in Portland by See See Motor Coffee family and its founder, Thor Drake. This year’s event was held again at the family owned Zidell Yards Barge Building, the last undeveloped property on the south Portland waterfront. The smell of dust, grease, and rust along with the industrial metal workings of the old building was a perfect setting for thousands of pilgrims to gather and celebrate all things motorcycle.